Method for mounting non-acceleration based sensor

ABSTRACT

A mounting assembly includes a pair of fingers upturned from a surface on which the sensor is mounted. The fingers are spaced a distance apart and the sensor is mounted between the fingers. Extending between the fingers is an elastic member. This elastic member extends over the sensor and secures the sensor onto the mounting surface. Another mounting assembly according to this invention includes a catch that extends upward from the mounting surface and a corresponding key portion disposed on the sensor. A fastening member corresponding with the sensor maintains the sensor in the received position within the catch member.

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/466,516 filed on Apr. 28, 2003 and U.S. Provisional applicationNo. 60/497,572 filed on Aug. 25, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This application relates to a mounting assembly for securing asensor to a vehicle, and specifically to a mounting assembly forsecuring a sensor to a motor vehicle component without the use ofthreaded fasteners.

[0003] Typically, sensors are mounted throughout a motor vehicle tomonitor a desired condition. Each of these sensors requires a mountingassembly to secure the sensor to the desired location. In most sensormounting applications it is common to use a conventional threadedfastener. Typically, a screw or bolt is threaded through an openingwithin the sensor and into a threaded opening within the vehiclecomponent. Conventional threaded fasteners can be expensive, and timeconsuming to install.

[0004] As appreciated, in many instances sensors are mounted withinharsh and hostile environments such as within a wheel well or in closeproximity to heat producing elements. Disadvantageously, in thesehostile environments conventional threaded fasteners can become corrodedand damaged, preventing disassembly of the sensor from the motorvehicle. In such cases the threaded fasteners must be cut and newfasteners must be obtained and used for remounting of the existingsensor or a new sensor.

[0005] In many applications, a sensor must be mounted securely toaccurately sense movement of a vehicle component. This is especiallytrue with the use of acceleration-based sensors. Such sensors measuremovement of the vehicle component for use by other systems. However, fornon-acceleration based sensors such rigid mounting is not necessary.

[0006] Accordingly, it is desirable to develop and design a mountingassembly for non-acceleration based sensors that is easily incorporatedinto existing design and does not require the use of threaded fasteners.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This invention is a mounting assembly for a sensor that providesfor mounting to a vehicle component without the use of threadedfasteners.

[0008] A mounting assembly of this invention includes a base having apair of fingers upturned from a surface on which the sensor is mounted.The fingers are spaced a distance apart and the sensors mounted betweenthe fingers. Extending between the fingers is an elastic member. Thiselastic member extends over the sensor and secures the sensor onto themounting surface. The sensor assembly includes corresponding parts thatengage alignment features that extend upward from the mounting surface.These alignment features prevent movement of the sensor relative to themounting surface. The elastic member prevents movement of the sensoraway from the mounting surface to prevent the sensor from sliding alongthe mounting surface.

[0009] Another mounting assembly according to this invention includes acatch that extends upward from the mounting surface and a correspondingkey disposed on the sensor. The key of the sensor is received within thecatch. A non-threaded fastening member secures the sensor on a sideopposite the key. The sensor is thereby secured to the mounting surfacewithout the use of a threaded fastener.

[0010] Another mounting assembly according to this invention includes achanneled slot that the sensor slides into. The sensor slides into thechanneled slot and is secured by at least one interference featuredisposed on the mounting surface. The interference feature engages theupper portion of the sensor to prevent the sensor from sliding out ofthe channeled slot. The sensor and channeled slot include interferencefeatures that secure and maintain the sensor in a desired location. Theinterference features provide for mounting of the sensor without the useof additional fasteners.

[0011] Another mounting assembly according to this invention includesfingers that extend upward from the mounting surface and throughopenings within the sensor. An interference fastener is attached to thefinger to hold the sensor against the mounting surface. The finger canalso be deformed to prevent removal of the sensor instead of using theinterference fasteners. Further, the fingers can be in integral part ofthe mounting surface or can be inserted from an opposite side of themounting surface into openings within the sensor. The resulting fitsecures the sensor to the mounting surface.

[0012] Accordingly, the mounting assembly of the invention provides acost effective alternative to threaded fasteners that is easilyadaptable to existing sensors and mounting surfaces.

[0013] These and other features of the present invention can be bestunderstood from the following specification and drawings, the followingof which is a brief description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a prospective view of a mounting assembly for sensoraccording to this invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a side view of a sensor mounted according to thisinvention.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a sensor secured to a base according tothe mounting assembly of this invention.

[0017]FIG. 4A is a side view of a sensor prior to mounting with themounting assembly of this invention.

[0018]FIG. 4B is a side view of the sensor mounted to the mountingsurface according to this invention.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor assembly mounted witha mounting assembly according to this invention.

[0020]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor mounted to a vehiclecomponent according to another mounting assembly of this invention.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the method of inserting thesensor into the mounting assembly according to this invention.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another mounting assemblyaccording to this invention.

[0023]FIG. 9 is a front view of a sensor mounted with another mountingassembly according to this invention.

[0024]FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating how the sensor is receivedwithin a mounting assembly according to this invention.

[0025]FIG. 11 is a side view of a sensor secured within a mountingassembly of this invention.

[0026]FIG. 12 is a side view of a sensor secured by another mountingassembly according to this invention.

[0027]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another mounting assemblyaccording to this invention.

[0028]FIG. 14 is a side view of another mounting assembly according tothis invention including bendable arms for receiving a sensor assembly.

[0029]FIG. 15 is a side view of another mounting assembly according tothis invention.

[0030]FIG. 16 is side view of another mounting assembly according tothis invention.

[0031]FIG. 17 is a prospective view of non-threaded fastener utilized tosecure the sensor to the mounting surface.

[0032]FIG. 18 is a side view of another mounting assembly according tothis invention including attachment members extending from a mountingsurface.

[0033]FIG. 19 is side view of another mounting assembly according tothis invention.

[0034]FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a tab and slot for the mountingassembly of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a mounting assembly 10 is shown that securesa sensor 12 to a base 14. The mounting assembly 10 includes an elasticmember 20. The elastic member 20 is stretched between fingers 16. Thefingers 16 extend upward from the base 14 and are spaced a distanceapart. The sensor 12 is secured between the upwardly extended fingers 16by the downward biasing force exerted by the elastic member 20 on thesensor 12.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, preferably, the fingers 16 are stamped outfeatures formed within the base 14. However, it is within thecontemplation of this invention that the fingers 16 may be of anyconfiguration capable of holding the elastic member 20. The elasticmember 20 is preferably comprised of a material compatible with theconditions in which the sensor 12 is mounted. As appreciated, manymaterials are known and understood by workers skilled in the art thatare capable of enduring the specific conditions in which the sensor 12may be mounted.

[0037] The base 14 includes alignment features for securing the sensor12 in place between the fingers 16. Preferably, the alignment featuresare tabs 18 that extend upward from the surface 22. The tabs 18 engagecorresponding openings 19 formed within the sensor 12. The tabs 18prevent the sensor 12 from sliding across a surface 22 of the base 14.The elastic member 20 prevents the sensor 12 from moving away from thesurface 22 of the base 14. This provides a secure mounting of the sensor12 without the use of threaded fasteners.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, the mounting assembly 10 can include twopairs of fingers 16 disposed along the sensor 12. Each set of fingers 16also includes an elastic member 20. As appreciated, the use of more thanone elastic member 20 disposed across the sensor 12 provides additionalbiasing force for securing the sensor 12. Further, additional fingers 16and elastic member 20 also provide for the securing of sensors 12 ofdiffering configurations. As appreciated, a larger sensor 12 may requireadditional elastic members 20 for securing against the surface 22 of thebase 14. A worker skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosurewill understand that multiple pairs of fingers 16 and elastic members 20can be used dependent on application specific requirements and arewithin the contemplation of this invention. Further, the elastic members20 stretched between fingers 16 are shown disposed laterally across thefingers 16. The elastic members 20 may also by crossed between fingers16 to provide a desired fastening arrangement.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the elastic member 20 is secured tothe sensor 12 at a fastening point 24. Pre-fastening the elastic member20 to the sensor 12 eliminates loose parts during assembly operationswhere the sensor 12 is mounted to the base 14. During this assemblyprocess the sensor 12 is placed on the base 14. The tabs 18 fit into theopenings 19 within the sensor 12. The elastic member 20 is thenstretched over the projecting fingers 16 to secure the sensor 12 to thebase 14. As appreciated, the fastening point 24 can be of any type knownto a worker skilled in the art. In one such configuration the fasteningpoint 24 may be a clip or tab onto which the elastic member 20 isassembled. As appreciated, it is within the contemplation of thisinvention to utilize other configurations for holding the elastic member20 in place on the sensor 12.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 5, another alignment feature is shown thatincludes holes 26 within the base 14. The sensor 12 includes tabs 28that project downward into the holes 26 to prevent lateral andlongitudinal movement of the sensor 12 relative to the base 14. Asappreciated, the specific configuration of the alignment features canvary according to the specific sensor configuration.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, another mounting assembly 40 according tothis invention includes a catch 42 extending upward from the surface 22of the base 14. The catch 42 defines a pocket 54. The pocket 54 receivesa tab 46 disposed on the sensor 44. A flange 50 is disposed on thesensor 44 adjacent an end distal from the tab 46. The flange 50 includesan opening 51 through which a fastening member 48 extends to an opening52 in the base 14. The fastening member 48 provides an interference fitwithin the opening 51 within the flange 50 and the opening 52 within thebase 14.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 7, the sensor 44 is shown during insertion intothe pocket 54. The tab 46 is received into the pocket 54 and the flange50 is secured against the surface 22 by the fastening member 48. Thefastening member 48 is then extended through the opening 51 within theflange 50 of the sensor 44 and into the opening 52 in the base 14. Thismethod of securing the sensor 44 provides positive mounting andalignment of the sensor 44 without the use of threaded fasteners.Further, the use of the pocket 54 and tab 46 eases assembly and reducesmounting assembly complexity.

[0043] The fastening member 48 preferably includes a plurality ofdeformable extensions extending from a longitudinal member. Thefastening member 48 is pressed into openings 51 and 52 such that thedeformable extensions compress inwardly toward the longitudinal member,and re-extend once free from the confines of the openings 51 and 52.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 8, another mounting assembly 60 according tothis invention includes a catch 42 extending from the base 14 andincluding a slot 62. The slot 62 receives a lip 64 disposed on thesensor 44. Sensor 44 also includes the flange 50 with opening 51 for thefastening member 48 on the side opposite the lip 64. In this embodimentthe catch 42 includes the slot 62 instead of forming the pocket 54. Thisconfiguration provides an alignment function as well as receiving andsecuring the sensor 44 to the base 14.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 9, another mounting assembly 70 according tothis invention includes a first channel 74 and a second channel 76. Thefirst and second channels 74, 76 define a pocket 78 therebetween for asensor 72. The first and second channels 74, 76 are preferably disposedin a manner such that the sensor 72 is biased toward remaining withinthe pocket 78 by the weight of the sensor 72. The weight of the sensor72 holds the sensor 72 within the pocket 78 formed by the first andsecond channels 74, 76. Preferably the sensor 72 fits into the pocket 78in an interference manner such that the sensor 72 will not bounce orvibrate relative to the channels 74, 76. Interference bumps 80 aredisposed proud of the surface 22 to prevent the sensor 72 from slidingfrom the pocket 78.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 10, the sensor 72 may be removed by pulling upand outward. The interference bumps 80 are positioned adjacent an upperend of the sensor 72 when in the assembled position. Installation isfacilitated by inserting the sensor 72 into the pocket 78 such that anupper portion of the sensor 72 is disposed adjacent the interferencebump 80.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 11, the mounting assembly 70 is shown in a sideview with the sensor 72 mounted within the pocket 78 formed by thechannels 74, 76. Interference bump 80 has a rounded surface providingfor insertion of this sensor 72 into the pocket 78 but interferes withremoval of sensor 72. The interference bump 80 prevents movement of thesensor 72 out of the pocket 78. The mounting assembly 70 provides asimple and effective means of securing the sensor 72 to a vehiclecomponent without the use of threaded fasteners.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 12, another mounting assembly 90 according tothis invention is shown in cross-section. The sensor 92 includes at-shaped channel 96 that fits within a c-shaped channel 94 that isdisposed on the base 14. The t-shaped channel 96 slides over thec-shaped channel 94 disposed on the base 14. The base 14 includes alocking feature that includes a ramp 98 adjoining a flat 97. Thet-shaped channel 96 includes a shoulder 99 that rides over the ramp 98to lock against the flat 97 adjoining the ramp 98. The shoulder 99 abutsthe flat 97 to prevent movement of the sensor 92 off the c-shapedchannel 94 of the base 14. The ramp 98 prevents the sensor 92 from beingremoved from the c-shaped channel 94 once received therein and theshoulder 99 is seated against the flat 97 of the locking feature.

[0049] During assembly, the sensor 92 slides over the ramp 98 and intothe c-shaped channel 94. The shoulder 99 engages the flat 97 of the ramp98 to hold the sensor 92 within the c-shaped channel 94. The c-shapedchannel 94 further includes an interference point 102. This interferencepoint 102 corresponds with the t-shaped channel 96 of the sensor 92 toprovide an interference fit there between. The interference fitsubstantially prevents movement of the sensor 92 within the mountingassembly 90.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 13, a mounting assembly 90′ includes a t-shapedtab 106 extending upward from the base 14. The t-shaped tab 106 isdisposed on the base 14 and corresponds with a c-shaped channel 108disposed on the sensor 92′. The c-shaped channel 108 is received by thet-shaped tab 106 to secure the sensor onto the base 14. The t-shaped tab106 received within the c-shaped channel 108 provides positive placementand attachment of the sensor 92′ to the base 14.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 14, another mounting assembly 120 according tothis invention includes a plurality of bendable arms 122. Each of thebendable arms 122 is disposed to define a pocket 118 into which a sensor121 is secured. The bendable arms 122 are bendable outwards to receivethe sensor 121. Each bendable arm 122 includes a lock 124. The lock 124includes a lead-in surface 126 and a flat 128. The bendable arms 122bend outwardly away from each other responsive to the sensor 121 beingpressed downwardly against the lead-in surface 126 of each of thebendable arms 122. The bendable arms 122 then move outwardly to receivethe sensor 121. Once the sensor 121 has cleared the lead-in surface 126the bendable arms 122 snap back into their original position. The flat128 of each of the bendable arms 122 overlaps a portion of the sensor121. The flat 128 overlaps the sensor 121 and secures the sensor 121against the surface 22. Preferably, there is a slight interference fitbetween the flat 128 and the sensor 121 to maintain a desired positionwithout jostling or vibration.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 15, another mounting assembly 130 according tothis invention includes the base 14 that has openings 136. The openings136 correspond with openings 138 within a sensor 132. Interferencemembers 134 extend through openings 136 and into the openings 138.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 16, another mounting assembly 130′ includes apair of attachment members 140 that are integral parts of the base 14.Each of the attachment members 140 extends transversely from the surface22 of the base 14. The sensor 132 includes the corresponding opening 138that receive the attachment members 140. The sensor 132 is assembledonto the attachment members 140 and slide down adjacent the surface 22.The sensor 132 is held adjacent to surface 22 by clips 142 that areassembled onto the attachment members 140 to hold the sensor 132 againstthe surface 22. Preferably, the clips 142 include an opening thatprovides an interference with the attached members 140.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 17, the clip 142 includes an opening 143 andplurality of tabs 145 that are disposed about the opening 143. Insertionof the clip 142 to the attachment members 140 provides an interferencefit that prevents removal of the sensor 132 without a considerable andpotentially destructive force.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 18, another embodiment of the mounting assembly130″ includes the attachment members 140 that are deformed over theopenings 138 of the sensor 132 to hold the sensor 132 in place.Preferably, the attachment members 140 are heat stacked as indicated at144 to deform the material comprising the attachment member 140 tosecure the sensor 132 to the base 14.

[0056] Heat staking of the attachment members 140 deforms ends of theattachment members 140 to hold the sensor 132 adjacent the surface 22.Heat staking of the attachment members 140 provides the advantage ofreducing the number of parts that are required for mounting of thesensor 132. The heat stake of the attachment member 140 does not requireadditional attachment devices or clips.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, another mounting assembly 150includes a bracket 154 attached to a frame 164. The sensor 152 isattached to the bracket 154. The bracket 154 extends about a side andbottom of the frame 164. The bracket 154 includes a tab 156 receivedwithin a slot 158 of the frame 164 and a flange 166 for a fastener 160.The bracket 154 provides for the installation of the sensor 152 inlocations where it is difficult to obtain access to each side of theframe member 164. The tab 156 fits into a slot 158 on the frame 164 andthe flange 166 swings around to the bottom of the frame 164 for securingby the fastener 160. The tab 156 on the bracket 154 engages the slot 158in the frame 164 such that the sensor 152 can only be removed by beingrotated such that the tab 156 is free of the slot 158.

[0058] The mounting assemblies of this invention provide for mounting ofa non-acceleration based sensors without the use of threaded fasteners.Further, the mounting assemblies of this invention reduce assembly timeand complexity.

[0059] Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has beendisclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize thatcertain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. Forthat reason, the following claims should be studied to determine thetrue scope and content of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting assembly for a sensor comprising: abase comprising a pair of fingers spaced a distance apart for receivingthe sensor there between; and an elastic member stretched between saidfingers and extending across said distance between said fingers, whereinthe sensor is securable between said base and said elastic member. 2.The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said base comprises alocating member for aligning the sensor between said fingers.
 3. Theassembly as recited in claim 2, wherein said locating member extendsabove a surface of said base member.
 4. The assembly as recited in claim2, wherein said locating member comprises openings within said base. 5.The assembly as recited in claim 1, comprising two pair of fingers andtwo elastic members stretched between said fingers.
 6. A mountingassembly for a sensor comprising: a catch member extending upward from abase; a key disposed on the sensor corresponding with said catch member;and a securing member corresponding with the sensor for maintaining thesensor in said received position within said catch member.
 7. Theassembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said catch member comprises aslot and said key comprises a tab received within said slot.
 8. Theassembly as recited in claim 7, wherein said catch member extendstransversely from said base, and said slot is spaced apart from saidbase.
 9. The assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein said catch membercomprises a pocket and said key comprises a lip received within saidpocket.
 10. The assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein said pocket isdisposed adjacent a surface of said base, and said lip rests on saidsurface of said base portion when received within said pocket.
 11. Theassembly as recited in claim 7, wherein said catch member comprises afirst and second channels spaced a distance apart for receiving thesensor therebetween.
 12. The assembly as recited in claim 11, whereinsaid sensor includes a body, said body comprising the key receivedwithin said first and second channels.
 13. The assembly as recited inclaim 11, wherein said first and second channels sections form aC-shaped channel adjacent a surface of said base.
 14. The assembly asrecited in claim 11, wherein said securing member comprises at least oneinterference bump extending above a surface of said base and contactingsome portion of the sensor for inhibiting movement of the sensor fromsaid first and second channels.
 15. The assembly as recited in claim 11,wherein said securing member comprises a ramp corresponding with a tabdisposed on the sensor.
 16. The assembly as recited in claim 15, whereinsaid first and second channels comprise an interference fit with thesensor.
 17. The assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein said first andsecond channels include a ramped lead in surface for the sensor.
 18. Theassembly as recited in claim 6, wherein said catch member comprises aT-shaped tab, and said key comprises a C-shaped channel correspondingwith said T-shaped tab.
 19. The assembly as recited in claim 6, whereinsaid catch member comprise a C-shaped channel and said key comprises aT-shaped tab received within said C-shaped channel.
 20. The assembly asrecited in claim 6, wherein said catch member comprises a plurality ofbendable arms extending transversely from a surface of said base andsaid securing member is disposed on an end of said bendable arm.
 21. Theassembly as recited in claim 20, wherein said key disposed on the sensorcomprises a body of the sensor.
 22. The assembly as recited in claim 21,wherein said body is received within a space defined between saidplurality of bendable arms and held adjacent a surface of said base bysaid securing member.
 23. A mounting assembly for a sensor comprising: abase comprising an attachment member extending transversely to a surfaceof said base; and an opening defined by the sensor for receiving saidattachment member.
 24. The assembly as recited in claim 23, wherein saidattachment member is an integral portion of said base portion.
 25. Theassembly as recited in claim 24, wherein said attachment member isdeformable to hold the sensor between a deformed portion of saidattachment member and said base.
 26. The assembly as recited in claim24, comprising a securing member attachable to said attachment memberfor holding the sensor adjacent said base.
 27. The assembly as recitedin claim 23, wherein said attachment member extends through openings insaid base and into the sensor.
 28. The assembly as recited in claim 23,wherein said attachment member comprises an interference member receivedwithin the sensor.